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Brown University


Frogs' amazing leaps due to springy tendons

Researchers at Brown University discovered that frogs' stretchy tendons are the key to their impressive jumping abilities. The study shows how the leg muscle shortens and loads energy into the tendon before releasing it to propel the frog forward, enabling them to jump much farther than expected.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 16, 2011

Enzyme boosts metabolism, prevents weight gain in mice

Scientists engineer mice to express human enzyme IKKbeta in fat tissue, significantly slowing weight gain and improving metabolism. The study suggests obesity is worse than inflammation for insulin resistance, offering new clues about the connections among obesity, inflammation, and type 2 diabetes.

SourceBrown University·JournalEndocrinology·DateNov 14, 2011

Model of enzyme's structure could spur new therapies

Researchers at Brown University have created an unprecedentedly detailed description of a kinase complex, which could lead to new therapeutic drugs for diseases such as Alzheimer's and cancer. The team discovered a unique binding site, called KIS, that plays a crucial role in the complex's formation.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateNov 6, 2011

Vitamin D study suggests no mortality benefit for older women

A new study led by Brown University found that vitamin D does not confer benefits against mortality in postmenopausal women, contrary to previous beliefs. The study controlled for key health factors like abdominal obesity and found no association between high or low levels of vitamin D and reduced risk of death.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateNov 1, 2011

Researchers complete mollusk evolutionary tree

Scientists have pieced together the most comprehensive phylogeny for mollusks, revealing surprising relationships between enigmatic groups. The study places Monoplacophora, thought extinct, as a sister clade to cephalopods, and establishes a single origin for shelled mollusks.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature·DateOct 26, 2011

Southern California's tectonic plates revealed in detail

Researchers at Brown University created the highest-resolution picture of the bottom of the lithosphere in southern California, measuring the boundary between the lithosphere and asthenosphere. The study found dramatic changes in lithosphere thickness, revealing new insights into how rifting shaped the region.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateOct 6, 2011

Nursing home flu shots fall short, especially for blacks

A study by Brown University found that nursing home flu shot vaccination rates are lower for black patients compared to white patients. Despite efforts to improve vaccination rates over time, the disparity persists within individual facilities, with black patients refusing shots at a higher rate than whites.

SourceBrown University·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 5, 2011

Climate change will show which animals can take the heat

A new study examines the impact of climate change on amphibian species, finding that rapid temperature swings can trap species at different points in their travels. The research suggests that many species will become endangered due to their inability to tolerate unfavorable climate conditions for extended periods.

SourceBrown University·JournalEcology Letters·DateSep 29, 2011

Tendons absorb shocks muscles won't handle

Researchers at Brown University discovered that tendons absorb shocks and store energy, while muscles take on the role of absorbing remaining energy after impact. This finding highlights the critical role of tendons in shock absorption and has implications for the development of synthetic tendons and rehabilitative practices.

No harm to mice testes from BPA in utero

A new study by Brown University toxicologists found that male mice exposed to high doses of BPA during pregnancy showed no signs of harm to their testes as adults. The researchers suggest that the mother's metabolism may detoxify much of the BPA, reducing exposure to the fetus.

Political preferences play different role in dating, mating

A study by Brown University researchers found that people seeking a mate rarely express their political preferences, with women and lower-income individuals less likely to do so. However, once paired, spouses tend to share similar political views, suggesting a potential filter for compatible long-term relationships.

SourceBrown University·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateSep 19, 2011

Why carbon nanotubes spell trouble for cells

Researchers at Brown University found that carbon nanotubes enter cells tip-first and at a 90-degree angle, often causing repeated inflammation. The team's study suggests that understanding how nanomaterials interact with cells is crucial for designing products that help cells rather than harm them.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 18, 2011

Computerized anxiety therapy found helpful in small trial

A small clinical trial suggests that cognitive bias modification (CBM) may be as effective as in-person therapy or drugs in treating social anxiety disorder. Participants showed significant improvements on a standardized measure of anxiety and public speaking task after completing two exercises twice a week for four weeks.

SourceBrown University·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateSep 14, 2011

Running backs take hardest hits to the head, linemen take the most

A new study at Brown University measures head blows during games and practices over three seasons, documenting that running backs and quarterbacks suffer the hardest hits to the head. Linemen, however, were hit on the head most often, with doctors warning about the potential for subconcussive neurological damage from repeated impacts.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateSep 7, 2011

College freshmen face sleep problems but intervention can help

A study by Brown University researchers found that college freshmen often struggle with sleep quality due to factors like roommates, dorm noise, and academic stress. However, a campuswide media campaign was able to help nearly 10% of students improve their sleep habits, leading to better grades, mood, and overall health.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateAug 30, 2011

Nickel nanoparticles may contribute to lung cancer

New research from Brown University finds that nickel nanoparticles can activate a cellular pathway that contributes to cancer in human lung cells. The study shows that smaller nanoscale particles are more harmful and potentially cancer-causing than larger microscale particles.

SourceBrown University·JournalToxicological Sciences·DateAug 23, 2011

Endorsements matter but voters are wise to media bias

Research from Brown University economists finds that voters are more likely to support recommended candidates after newspaper endorsements, but credibility matters. Moderate voters are most influenced by endorsements. Key findings suggest voters filter out media bias when making informed decisions.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Review of Economic Studies·DateJul 28, 2011

How bats stay on target despite the clutter

Researchers at Brown University discovered how bats can distinguish between target echoes and background clutter using subtle changes in sound intensity. By delaying their neural response to weaker echoes, bats can effectively 'defocus' clutter, maintaining a clear image of the target.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateJul 28, 2011

Research examines dentists' role in painkiller abuse

A recent study reveals that dentists play a significant role in opioid drug abuse, with many not aware of the risks or proper prescribing guidelines. The research calls for dentists to take steps to reduce leftover painkillers, discuss medication use with patients, and utilize prescription monitoring programs to prevent misuse.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateJul 1, 2011

Gold nanoparticles help earlier diagnosis of liver cancer

A team of researchers from Brown University has developed a new technique using gold nanoparticles to detect liver cancer at early stages. The approach uses X-ray scatter imaging to spot tumor-like masses as small as 5 millimeters, which is significantly smaller than the current detection limit of about 5 centimeters.

SourceBrown University·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 22, 2011

Hormone test helps predict success in IVF

A blood test for AMH can help predict IVF success, with women having higher AMH levels yielding more eggs and a higher rate of pregnancy. The study found that women with low AMH levels had an average of six eggs harvested, while those with higher levels had around 20.

SourceBrown University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateJun 9, 2011

Researchers map, measure brain's neural connections

Computer science researchers at Brown University have developed a new way to visualize the human brain's neural connections using 2D maps. These simplified representations can help medical professionals identify potential pathologies, such as autism, and understand how neural bundles differ among individuals.

SourceBrown University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateJun 1, 2011